Southwest Virginia native named to state top agriculture post

A key member of Ralph Northam’s staff who helped the governor in his push to legalize marijuana in the commonwealth has earned a top promotion.

Southwest Virginia native Brad Copenhaver was tapped by Northam to be the state’s 17th Secretary of Agriculture. The former legislative aide for US Congressman Morgan Griffith also spent time as the Director of the Virginia Agribusiness Council.

Copenhaver grew up on his family’s burley tobacco and cattle farm in Washington County.

(IMAGE: Commonwealth of Virginia / Office of the Governor)